Proud to be a Grantee

We are proud to be a grantee

SEATTLE — Today the COVID-19 Response Fund announced it will award $9.2 million in grants to more than 200 community-based organizations serving people who suffer from longstanding economic inequities and disparities due to racism. This funding will provide workers and families with resources to fill unmet needs: childcare, mental and behavioral health services, and emergency financial assistance. The full list of grantees can be found at www.seattlefoundation.org/COVID19/phase2.

“As this crisis evolves, people’s needs are changing and becoming more urgent,” said Seattle Foundation President & CEO Tony Mestres. “Some people are falling through the cracks of available services and support. Philanthropy can make the biggest impact by targeting its resources to fill those gaps.” Seattle Foundation hosts and administers the COVID-19 Response Fund.

The grants offer urgent relief and resources to Black communities and people of color, who have suffered disproportionate impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the recent and persistent violence due to racism targeting the Black community, this round of grantmaking prioritized investments in Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits who are navigating growing needs. Funding also focuses on undocumented immigrants and refugees who are missed by government funding programs; and essential workers without healthcare, childcare, or other necessary services.

The Fund announced grants to more than 200 organizations including Child Care Resources, Community Passageways, Consejo Counseling and Referral Services, Mother Africa, Potlatch Fund, U.T.O.P.I.A., Voices of Tomorrow, and You Grow Girl!. Organizations were selected in close coordination with a new advisory group, consisting of nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and business leaders who will provide counsel on the COVID-19 Response Fund through the end of the year. Work groups of experts also advised on childcare and mental and behavioral health grants.

This week’s announcement builds on an initial $10.175 million round of grants made at the end of March to organizations responding to immediate needs for rent support, food, healthcare, and other resources. An additional set of grants made in April, totaling $850,000, addresses mounting food insecurity in our region. The COVID-19 Response Fund currently totals $30 million.

Individuals and organizations can donate to and find additional information about the COVID-19 Response Fund via www.seattlefoundation.org/covid19.

ABOUT SEATTLE FOUNDATION
Seattle Foundation ignites powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all. As a community foundation, it works to advance equity, shared prosperity, and belonging throughout the region while strengthening the impact of the philanthropists it serves. Founded in 1946 and with more than $1.1 billion in assets, the Foundation pursues its mission with a combination of deep community insight, civic leadership, philanthropic advising, and judicious financial stewardship.